11 Days Outback Safari 2019

Escorted Group Tour from Uluru and Alice Springs to Darwin & Kakadu

Experience the Northern Territory’s quintessential desert landscapes on a thrilling road-trip from Uluru to Darwin. The grandeur of Uluru as you sight it for the first time is unforgettable, and the opportunity to learn about the traditions of the local Anangu people adds depth to your encounter. As you travel the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs, you’ll witness the transition from desert reds to the rocky escarpments and lush greens of the tropical north.

itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Ayers Rock

On arrival at Ayers Rock Resort you’ll meet your Travel Director and travelling companions. Journey to dual World Heritage listed Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, where sparkling wine is served as you watch the sun set at Australia’s most renowned natural landmark. Witness the spectacular phenomenon of the changing colours of the massive sandstone monolith before returning to the comfort of your hotel. Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights

Day 2: Uluru Sunrise – Kata Tjuta

Rise early to experience a majestic Red Centre sunrise, while sipping a warming cup of tea or coffee. After a tour of the base of Uluru, you may like to take either a self-guided walk around its 11km perimeter, or a shorter guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole. Your Travel Director will explain the significance of the ancient Aboriginal rock paintings you’ll encounter and the culture of its traditional owners, the Anangu people. This afternoon’s journey takes you to superb Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a series of 36 magnificent domes of orange-hued sedimentary rock, where you’ll the sunset while enjoying sparkling wine. Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort. Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Ayers Rock – Kings Canyon

Awe-inspiring Kings Canyon is your destination today. Stop for a lunch break at Kings Creek Station. Originally vacant crown land, the station now runs cattle and is the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia. Learn the intriguing story of owners, Ian and Lynn Conway, and their dedication to Aboriginal children in the region’s remote communities. Continue to Kings Canyon, a spectacular natural formation whose sheer sandstone walls soar to a height of 100 metres. A 6km rim walk of the canyon will reward you with marvellous views of Watarrka National Park: an easier walk along the boulder-strewn canyon creek bed is another option. Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort. Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner with wine

Day 4: Kings Canyon – Alice Springs

Travelling past seemingly-deserted cattle properties today, you’ll develop a true appreciation for the enormous magnitude of the Australian Outback. On arrival in Alice Springs, visit the historic Telegraph Station, established in 1872, and drive to Anzac Hill for panoramic views over ‘The Alice’. Hotel: Mercure Alice Springs Resort , 2 nights. Included Meals: Day 4: Breakfast.

Day 5: Alice Springs

After breakfast this morning, join an Aboriginal guide at Alice Springs Desert Park to learn about the culture and traditions of the local Arrernte people, including their search for food and fresh water. Continue to the headquarters of iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service. Be my guest dining experienceThis evening, join the Falzon family for a Be My Guest home-cooked BBQ dinner, and later listen as they speak of their passion for ecology, astronomy and culture. Hotel: Mercure Alice Springs Resort. Included Meals: Breakfast and Be My Guest dinner

Day 6: Alice Springs – Tennant Creek

Before leaving Alice Springs this morning, visit the School of the Air to witness a live classroom lesson broadcast over 1.3 million square kilometres to children living in remote locations. Then travel north, stopping to visit Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), an intriguing series of precariously- balanced granite boulders. Later, settle into your accommodation at the former gold-mining town of Tennant Creek. Hotel: Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant Creek Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner with wine

Day 7: Tennant Creek – Katherine

Today you’ll travel north, visiting the eccentric Daly Waters Pub at lunchtime. Continue to Mataranka, where you can visit a replica of the original Elsey Homestead used in the filming of the Australian classic ‘We of the Never Never’. A swim in the famous Mataranka thermal springs is a must-do for travellers. Journey on to Katherine for the night. Hotel: Katherine. Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner with wine

Day 8: Katherine – Kakadu

This morning, travel to Nitmiluk National Park, where a tranquil cruise along the spectacular Katherine Gorge will allow you to sense the spirituality of the land while you catch glimpses of the resident freshwater crocodiles and learn about the history and culture of the local traditional owners, the Jawoyn people. Journey deep into Kakadu for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong, famed for its stunning variety of birdlife including sea eagles, brolgas and tiny, brilliantly-hued kingfishers. You’ll also see estuarine crocodiles basking in the muddy shallows. Hotel: Jabiru. Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner with wine

Day 9: Kakadu – Darwin Included Choice

This morning visit fascinating Ubirr with its superb Aboriginal rock art dating back over 20,000 years. Climb to the top of the rocky outcrop for majestic views over the floodplains and escarpment country. Included ChoiceThis afternoon in Darwin, choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Visit the colourful Mindil Beach Sunset Market where we’ll treat you to dinner, visit Crocosaurus Cove at your leisure or perhaps sit back and relax under the stars at Darwin’s famous Deckchair Cinema, run by the Darwin Film Society during the Dry. Hotel: Mantra on the Esplanade, Darwin, 2 nights. Included Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10: Litchfield National Park

Travel to Litchfield National Park today, pausing to examine the amazing termite mounds that dot the landscape. Then continue to Florence Falls, a double-plunge waterfall leading to a popular swimming hole. Venture on to Wangi Falls for the opportunity to swim in the large waterhole before heading back to Darwin. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Darwin Harbour Cruise Farewell Dinner. Hotel: Mantra on the Esplanade, Darwin. Included Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner

Day 11: Farewell from Darwin

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Included Meals: Breakfast